VS
At a Glance
Power
136 kW
315 kW
Torque
247 Nm
543 Nm
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
3.7 s
Engine
2498 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Volvo EX30 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Subaru Forester delivers 136 kW while the Volvo EX30 produces 315 kW. On fuel, the Forester returns 7.9 l/100km while the EX30 uses 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R790 000 for the Forester and R1 165 000 for the EX30. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
136 kW
315 kW
Torque
247 Nm
543 Nm
0-100 kph
—
3.7 s
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2498 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
boxer
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
63 l
69 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
180 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4655 mm
4233 mm
Width
1830 mm
1850-2040 mm
Height
1730 mm
1567 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1636 Kg
1960 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
496-1174 l
400-1000 rear + 7 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
—
375 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
EX30
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Forester
Practicality
EX30
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R790 000)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 315 kW)
Volvo EX30
More powerful engine (315 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (18.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or EX30?
The Forester uses 7.9 l/100km and the EX30 uses 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Forester or EX30?
The Forester produces 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque while the EX30 delivers 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque. The EX30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Forester and EX30?
The Forester starts from R790 000 and the EX30 from R1 165 000. The Forester is cheaper by R375 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Forester or EX30?
The Forester has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the EX30 can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Forester or the EX30?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.